Somerset event to benefit babies

April 26, 2011|Dan DiPaolo

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Hundreds of Somerset County residents are expected to take part in the March for Babies, a March of Dimes event designed to raise money for prenatal, premature birth and other kinds of baby-related health research.

The annual Somerset event will be at 9 a.m. April 30 at Wheeler Brothers Inc. in the Somerset Industrial Park.

"The March for Babies is the March of Dimes' biggest fundraiser," Jodie Albarano, assistant community director at the nonprofit's Altoona office, said. "This year's goal for the Somerset event is $21,000."

One out every eight babies is born premature and their survival is heavily dependent on advances in medicine achieved through research and funding by organizations like the March of Dimes, she said.

Teams raised more than $100 million in 2009 through the March for Babies with the help of numerous ambassador families.

This year the Peck family of Rockwood have stepped forward into that role, hoping to raise awareness through the compelling story of the premature birth of their triplets in 2006.

Makayla, Brayden and Hannah were born 13 weeks early on Feb. 16 to Jill and Jeremy Peck at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown.

The first-time mother was in the hospital for 10 days of bed rest when labor started unexpectedly.

"You couldn't have asked for more caring or wonderful people," she said. "Our lives dramatically changed in those six minutes."

The children would all require treatment or additional surgery during their stay in the hospital. "Each had their own little milestone they had to overcome," she said.

At two-weeks-old and 1 pound 9 ounces Makayla was flown to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh for emergency surgery on her heart. A valve wasn't closing properly and her chest was filling with fluid, her mother said.

"She was going downhill and they flew her out that night," she said. The surgery was a success and the little girl was returned to Conemaugh the next day.

Hannah developed an infection in her colon at one month and had to be fed intravenously for two weeks.

Brayden nearly died after he contracted staphylococcus aureus, a bacterial infection, commonly known as staph. "He crashed on us," she said. "By all rights, none of them should be here. People say they don't believe in miracles. I can show you three."

The children were finally healthy enough to come home on April 28. Peck's original due date was May 21.

Makayla still suffers from chronic lung disease but is expected to grow up to be a healthy adult. "You'd never know to look at them that they were preemies," she said.

All three 5-year-olds are expected to be on hand to kick-off the three-mile walk when the March for Babies begins.

The family's team has raised more than $400 already. Businesses, schools and families are encouraged to form their own team or donate to an existing group, Albarano said.

Individuals are also encouraged to participate.

Somerset Trust Co. is the major sponsor of the event which saw donations from more than 30 local businesses, Albarano said.

"The March of Dimes is a good organization. Because of their research our kids are here today," Peck said.

For more information or to donate call 814-696-9691 or visit www.marchforbabies.org online.